Jun 17, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Academic Catalog

University Definitions and Common Terms


The following definitions apply throughout the San José State University Academic Catalog unless a specific policy or program provides an alternative definition. These definitions are intended to promote consistency and clarity across university policies and procedures.

Academic Notice

Academic Notice is an academic standing designation assigned to an undergraduate student whose SJSU cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.0. Students remain on academic notice until they return to good academic standing or are academically disqualified.

Academic Disqualification

Academic Disqualification is a status that results in loss of eligibility to continue enrollment at the university due to failure to meet established academic standing requirements. Students who are academically disqualified may be eligible to seek reinstatement and, if approved, may subsequently apply for readmission.

Administrative Probation

Administrative Probation is a status that may be imposed when a student fails to comply with specific academic requirements, regulations, or conditions established by the university, regardless of GPA. The conditions for removal of the probation are communicated to the student in writing.

Administrative Disqualification

Administrative Disqualification is a status that may result when a student fails to satisfy the conditions of administrative probation or repeatedly fails to comply with required academic standards or regulations.

Catalog Rights

Catalog Rights refer to a student’s ability to complete degree requirements under a specific catalog year, subject to university policy and continuous enrollment requirements. Catalog rights establish which degree requirements apply to a student’s academic program.

Classification of Students

San José State University students are classified as lower-division, upper-division, post-baccalaureate, or graduate standing based on the units completed and their program of entry. The basis of classification is as follows:

Lower-Division

  • Freshman - fewer than 30 semester units earned

  • Sophomore - 30-59 semester units earned

Upper-Division

  • Junior - 60-89 semester units earned

  • Senior - 90 or more semester units earned

  • Post-Baccalaureate students possess a recognized baccalaureate degree and are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Unless otherwise noted, post-baccalaureate students follow the same policies and procedures as upper-division undergraduates.

Graduate Standing

Graduate standing is the classification for those who possess a recognized baccalaureate degree and are enrolled in a graduate degree or credential program.

Classified Graduate Standing

Classified Graduate Standing is the status granted to a graduate student who has been fully admitted to a graduate degree program and has satisfied all conditions for classified status established by the university and academic program.

Continuous Enrollment

Continuous Enrollment means maintaining enrollment during required academic terms as specified by university policy. Continuous enrollment requirements vary by student type and academic program.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)

Cumulative GPA is the grade point average calculated using all applicable coursework included in a student’s SJSU academic record, as defined by university policy.

Good Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing is the status assigned to students who meet the minimum academic performance standards established by the university for their academic level and program. Undergraduate students generally maintain good standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, while graduate students generally maintain good standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Graduate Student

A Graduate Student is a student who holds a recognized bachelor’s degree and is enrolled in a master’s degree, doctoral degree, credential, certificate, or other approved post-baccalaureate program.

Lower-Division Courses

Lower-Division Courses are courses numbered 1 through 99 and are generally intended for first-year and sophomore-level study.

Matriculated Student

A Matriculated Student is a student who has been formally admitted to the university and is enrolled in an academic degree, credential, or certificate program.

Non-Matriculated Student

A Non-Matriculated Student is a student who has not been formally admitted to the university. Non-matriculated students may be permitted to enroll in specified classes through Open University, or other non-degree programs.

Nonresident Student

A Nonresident Student is a student who does not qualify for California resident classification for tuition purposes under applicable CSU, state, and federal regulations.

Open University

Open University is an enrollment option that permits individuals to enroll in eligible university courses without formal admission to a degree program, subject to university policies and space availability. Coursework completed through Open University becomes part of the student’s academic record and may be applied toward degree requirements in accordance with university policy. 

Post-Baccalaureate Student

A Post-Baccalaureate Student is a student who has earned a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing additional undergraduate or post-baccalaureate study that is not currently part of a graduate degree program.

Reinstatement

Reinstatement is the process through which a student seeks removal of an academic disqualification status. Approval of reinstatement restores eligibility to pursue enrollment but may not, by itself, constitute readmission to the university.

Resident Credit

Resident Credit (credit in residence) refers to units earned in courses taken at SJSU.

Resident Student

A Resident Student is a student who qualifies for California resident classification for tuition purposes under applicable CSU, state, and federal regulations.

Readmission

Readmission is the process through which a former student who is no longer enrolled seeks to return to the university after an absence, disqualification, or other interruption of enrollment. Readmission requirements vary depending on the student’s previous enrollment status and the length or circumstances of the absence.

Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit is academic credit earned at another institution or through another approved educational experience that has been evaluated and accepted by the university toward degree, certificate, credential, or program requirements.

Undergraduate Student

An Undergraduate Student is a student enrolled in a bachelor’s degree, credential, certificate, or other undergraduate program who has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

University Policy

A University Policy is an official statement approved through established university governance processes that defines institutional requirements, responsibilities, standards, or expectations. University policies remain in effect until revised or rescinded through authorized procedures. University policies are available for reference on the SJSU Academic Senate website: sjsu.edu/senate.